【Dear Utol (2025): Maniac Photographer Episode 26】

Two best friends are Dear Utol (2025): Maniac Photographer Episode 26working together to shatter the stigma surrounding sex toys for women.

Knotty Vibes, an innovative feminist sex toy company co-founded by Sheila Oh and Courtney Davis, aims to empower women to embrace their sexual freedom while simultaneously raising funds for women's reproductive health.

SEE ALSO: Exploring the Orgasm Gap

"Knotty Vibes is an organization founded in my quest for women's freedom and equality," Sheila said, recalling how her first trip to a sex toy shop with Courtney played a part in the company's conception.

"When we entered the shop, we were overwhelmed by high prices," she went on. "I assumed this instance was a fluke and looked online and found high prices to be actually norm." The friends took the issue to heart and set out to give women a place where they could invest in themselves via discounted sex toys, lingerie, feminist apparel, and other accessories.

Stopping the stigma

Knotty Vibes isn't solely focused on lowering consumer prices — the company's mission is to empower women to love themselves, own their sexuality, and not feel awkward or ashamed about purchasing sex toys.

"We are in an era where feminism is thriving and women's voices and grievances are being heard. Sexual freedom and reproductive health play a crucial role in our fight for equality," Sheila said.

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"The company is a shame-free, safe space to purchase sex toys knowing that women's pleasure is of utmost importance to us," she went on. "Sexual pleasure is natural and we at Knotty Vibes believe in closing the orgasm gap between women of all backgrounds."

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Growing up in strict religious environments that viewed sex as a taboo subject inspired Sheila and Courtney to create a company that gave women easy, affordable, and gratifying access to sex toys. They achieved their goal but took things a step further, partnering with the Pledgling Organization, a platform that partners with nonprofits to help facilitate donations.

The decision to donate

The decision to give back to organizations that empower women — from funding STD screenings to working to end sex trafficking — was inspired by Sheila’s own eye-opening medical experiences. In 2017 she suffered a miscarriage and found herself having to undergo $25,000 in treatment.

That struggle really put things into perspective for Sheila, and caused her to consider what would have happened had she not had adequate medical insurance or access to basic healthcare, as is the case with so many women today.

In 2017 Trump's administration rolled back federal rules that gave 62.4 million women access to co-pay free contraception. He also signed a law that allowed local governments to cut funding for women's healthcare providers like Planned Parenthood and funding for these organizations remains threatened.

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When customers purchase from the site, they are given the option to donate a part of the proceeds to one of the following organizations with a mission to empower women:

• Equality Now

• Global Fund for Women

• Jacksonville Area Sexual Minority Youth Network Inc.

• League of Women Voters Education Fund

• MS Foundation For Women

• Partners In Health

• Planned Parenthood Federation of America

• Robert R. Frank Student-Run Free Clinic

• Sexual Health Innovations

• Women Helping Women

• Women of Power Empowering Women

• WomenOne

If one is not chosen the proceeds will be distributed evenly among all twelve.

Free sex toys and menstrual cups

In addition to discounting items and donating proceeds, Knotty Vibes also offers free menstrual cups and sex toys.

The free products are available to promote inclusivity and give women at all ages and income-levels the chance to care for themselves sexually.

Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

"We believe that sexual health is just as important as sexual pleasure. Our advocacy for sexual health includes ending period poverty," Sheila said. "The average woman is said to spend around $5,000 on tampons in her lifetime. That is money we believe can best used for other purposes; investing in their education, families, businesses, etc."

Sheila hopes the free sex toys will help further bridge the orgasm gap between men and women.

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Topics Activism Health Sex Toys Social Good